IN AND AROUND E.R..

WELCOME WASHINGTON MUTUAL

A big welcome to Beth Preimesberger Vice President, and her staff at Washington Mutual located at 4945 Eagle Rock Boulevard. [the Warehouse sight] A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place January 9^th. They certainly did things up right, ERHS jazz band instructor Greg Samuels was there with his wonderful students playing some familiar tunes. Welcome presentations were made by ERCC President Michael Nogueira, representatives from State Senator Jack Scott, Assemblywoman Carol Liu and Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa. If you haven’t stopped by already, this new concept in banking is a must see. What a pleasure to be face to face with the banking staff, not to mention the warm friendly atmosphere, including a children’s play area.

Washington Mutual Bank - Welcome to our Community!

NEW DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED

Paul Pagnone, a local business man, had a vision and acted on it. “Artrock Lofts”, a proposed development for Colorado Boulevard adjacent to the 134 freeway entrance and close to Eagle Vista - a property long looked at as undesirable for development and always in need of a clean-up. Paul’s concept and design is a live/work artists’ lofts. A streamlined modern architectural design of eighteen units in a three story building with balconies, cathedral ceilings and private garages. Of course there will have to be a major retaining wall to secure the back hillside. Paul is looking at an August ground breaking. He is scheduled for a short presentation at the ERCC February Board of Directors meeting.

CHAMBER MEETINGS AND MIXERS

Board Meeting: FEBRUARY 24 2004

Lunch $7.50

MIXERS

February 24 : Women’s Twentieth Century Club. 5105 Hermosa Ave. Hosts, President Lani Stapp and the Board of Directors

March 23: Dr. Music, 1812 Colorado Boulevard, Host Derek Reymer

April 27: Solheim Lutheran Home, 2236 Merton Avenue. Hosts, Director Norma Heaton and Solheim ERCC representative Ken Marks.

May 25: ETY Parts Imports, Inc., 2144 Colorado Boulevard. Host Alan Yap

June 22: Open

July 27: Cornerstone Chiropractic, 1388 W. Colorado Boulevard Host, Dr. George Shapiro.

August 24: Open

September: 28: Open

October 26: Century 21 Crest, 2750 W. Broadway. Host Lu Lu Hiznay

November 23: Open

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED

Irene Daniel is a South Pasadena Attorney in private practice who has resided in Eagle Rock for over 12 years and has recently purchased a home here. Irene loves the Eagle Rock Community and decided that this is to be the year she becomes more involved in her community and is anxious to do so forthwith. “Joining my local Chamber of Commerce is but one way I plan to invest in this wonderful and inspiring community.” Need an attorney, Irene can be reached at 626 403-9731.

From Burbank, Ray Benson, a single person DJ service, Master Disc Jockey, SoundGarden Productions can be reached at djdaddy2010@aol.com. For further information check out his web site a www.geocities.com/soundpro22/fun_d_mental.html

Having a party.....give Ray a call!

Linda Botta is a Senior VP of sales with Impact Fundraising. Her company provides state of the art, high impact fundraising programs for local schools, churches, clubs, organizations, foundations, etc. Linda is here in Eagle Rock - interested in her assistance please give her a call at 323 254-6262.

The Chamber Officers and Directors welcome Irene, Ray and Linda to our business community and very look forward to meeting each of them at a monthly lunch meeting and/or at our monthly mixer.

INSTALLATION DINNER DANCE

Our Installation Dinner Dance was a great success, in case you didn’t guess Michael Nogueira agreed to serve another term as President and the Board whole heartily approved. New officer to the Board is Elda Ulner, who was elected to First Vice President and has the undaunting task of Membership Chairperson. Be sure and help her out folks! Erica Grubert, Kaye Beckham and Ralph Mendoza, like Michael, will also serve another term. As of this date, we have not filled the position of Second Vice-President, which was vacated by Jim Beckham. A very warm thank you to Congressman Becerra, our good friend and neighbor, for installing our officers and directors. It is always a pleasure having him in attendance. All the officers and directors where thanked for their year of service to their community by ERCC President Michael Nogueira, Congressman Xavier Bacerra, representatives from State Senator Jack Scott, Assemblywoman Carol Lui and City Coucilmember Antionio Villiariagrosa. A special acknowledgment was given to thrice Past President Jim Beckham by Michael Nogeuira, which brought a standing ovation, for his dedicated service and support to the community for over 23 years. Jim implemented new innovations into the Chamber and brought a new business perspective. He also took charge of the 75^th Community Anniversary Celebration that was a major Eagle Rock event bringing in many City and State entities which included a parade on Colorado Boulevard. Most recently he has edited the Chamber monthly newsletter for the past several years. Jim is a well deserved recipient of the ERCC “Wall of Honor” where his photograph hangs in our City Hall. Congratulations Jim!

The evening finished with great friendship, music and dancing. A special thank you to Michael Nogueira for his willingness to take on another year as President of our fine organization.

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NORTHEAST CRIME STATS

Northeast Community Crime Report for the period of January 11 through February 7, 2004

11/2 - 11/29/03

Last Reporting Period

AGG. ASSAULT 53 + 45

ROBBERY 34 - 47

SEX 13 13

RAPE/ATT. RAPE 3 + 2

HOMICIDE 3+ 2

BURGLARY 71 - 76

THEFT FROM VEHICLE 191 + 116

AUTO THEFT 130 - 158

Total crime against person 103, compared to107 last reporting period which this particular type of crime continues to decrease. Property crimes total 392 from last reporting period of 350 and 382 the period before that. This is also a substantial increase from the previous decrease. Please remember that these crime stats are for all of the Northeast area, however, Eagle Rock has been hit with some business burglaries including Dan Jordinelli, Jordinelli & Associates. His office was hit Monday night sometime January 26. I am sure you have noticed the graffiti on walls and the etching on windows. Dilbeck Realtors and Mr. Music are among the recipients of this type of art work.

Graffiti is a precedent to crime. The taggers, if you will, are wanna be gang members. Since the court gang injunction against the Avenues, the “taggers” are trying to take back their turf! Our jails are full and some misdemeanors are not serving time at all, others are getting out way before their sentence is up. Interestingly enough our crime for Northeast was down 17% last year, thanks to Captain Kyle Jackson and each Officer at Northeast, even though the department was and still is working short staffed. I would like to think crime remained low because of a diligent community keeping their ears and eyes open and also making it hard for perpetrators to commit a crime.

Which brings us to 2004 - even though the department is still short of Officers and the numbers won’t change with new hires, the Captain has said that their 2004 goal is to

decrease crime by 21% this year.....with the community’s help. Get ready for mass distribution of a crime prevention flyer with tips to prevent you and/or your neighbor from becoming a victim, courtesy of Neighborhood Councils. The Chamber, along with the NELAPD will be hosting a Community Crime Prevention meeting in March - the date and time will be posted on the Chamber web site. Please be sure to check and plan on attending. Now more than ever we need to work together.

Please continue to help keep your community safe by being aware of what is going on around you, anything unusual or slightly suspicious report it immediately. Remember better safe than sorry!

Which brings me to business owners, if you haven’t already, think of our community children and become a “Safe House ” for them. Please call the Community Relations Office at Northeast 213 485 -2548. Quite a few of our local businesses already display the placard in their window, however, the more we have the safer our children are and we become a community united and committed to our children’s safety. A “Safe House” when you display the placard lets our children know they have a place to run to if accosted or harassed in any way. What are you waiting for?????

Please remember to call the front desk at Northeast 213 485- 2563 or 911 if you see anything. Don’t forget our City access number for all non-emergencies, 311, you can have your questions answered 24/7 by a “City Ambassador.”

BUSINESS TIDBITS

INFORMATION OVERLOAD

Growing numbers of people in their twenties and tihrties are suffering from severe memory loss because of increasing reliance on computer technology, according to new research. This hit hardest complain they are unable to recall names, written words or appointments, and in some cases have had to give up their jobs.

Doctors are blaming computer technology, electronic organizers and automatic car navigation systems. Doctors claim these gadgets lead to diminished use of the brain to work out problems and inflict “information overload” that makes it difficult to distinguish between important and unimportant facts. A recent study of 150 people aged 20 to 35 showed that more than one and ten are suffering from severe memory loss. Many memory experts believe information that information overload is making it difficult for some people to absorb new information, as they have reached a limit of what they can store in their brains.

SHOPPING: THE LAST PUBLIC ACTIVITY

Shopping has replaced almost every aspect of urban life according to the Harvard Design School. Look at your historic main street, train stations , museums and airports. All

are increasing shaped by the mechanism and spaces of shopping. The Harvard study found that where you shop influences who you are. In grocery stores, shoppers are “providers looking for ideas to be as good as possible what they do”. In mass merchandise stores such as a Wal-Mart shoppers become “dreamers, buying a dream of what they want life to be”. In drugstore, shoppers are “caretakers, seeking products

that provide peace of mind”. And in club stores shoppers are “employers” seeking adventure and entertainment.

HOW SECURE DO YOU NEED TO BE?

Analyze potential threats to any information protected by a password or Pin, and use that as a guide to the required level of security, Your passport in t a newspaper site? No matter. Your Pin for your checking account? Guard it like the crown jewels. Depending on the size, complexity and vulnerability of your business you might want to establish different levels of security and set up a system for each. Security is an ongoing process; build regular reviews into your schedule . Security plans should include guide lines for password generation and protection along with a wriitem policy about how often users should change or recycle passwords.

A THOUGHT TO START THE YEAR

Business owners face a ever growing and daunting task....How to best manage time!

Keep the following in mind as you start the year: To really tackle time, you need to look at the big picture. No matter how hectic business life gets, the most successful business owners are able to rise above the chaos and keep their perspective because they have an over? vision of life. If you don’t have clear goals and priorities, you won’t know how to manage your time. Remember, the beauty of being a small business owner is that believe it or not, you and only you are in control of YOUR BUSINESS time so invest a little time to see the Big Picture every business day.

My Business October 03

FYI

Memo to ERCC Directors

As of January 2004 a new agreement was made between the ERCC and Solheim Lutheran Home with regards to our lunch meetings held at the facility. All ERCC Directors are expected to to pay $7.50 at each monthly Board meeting regardless if lunch is taken or not. As food is prepared ahead of time and a table is set the Chamber has had to guarantee a minimum number of lunches. Guests wishing to attend and have lunch are more than welcome and must RSVP so we can accommodate. Lunch for guests is also $7,.50. Thank you for your consideration and cooperation.

Robins Beauty Studio

Robins Beauty Studio has not moved and is now renting on a month to month at the same location, 2042 Colorado Boulevard. Robin is currently looking for a property on

Colorado or Eagle Rock Boulevard if you know of any availability please give him a call at 323 - 344-1161.

Vick Plumbing * Cindi please take this out of FYI & put under In & Around

R.H. Vick Plumbing, Long time Chamber members, after 80 years plus of serving the Eagle Rock, Glassell Park and Glendale Communities with their family owned and operated business a decision was made to dissolve the family partnership and close the door on March 1, 2004. This will certainly be a loss for the Eagle Rock Community and the end of a long history family owned & operated business. The ERCC wishes each family member the very best in their future endeavors.

With the closing of the family business Christine Vick [ an alum of ERHS] is seeking employment. She proclaims to be a self motivated individual that works well in a team environment as well as alone. Christine has over 20 years experience of maintaining and keeping books. She is experienced in Quickbooks and Microsoft programs as well as A/P, A/R. P/R, payroll, Bank reconciliation, Trial Balance and all quarterly reports. Looking for a good dedicated bookkeeper - give Christine a call at 323 - 371-4702.

Prayers & Thoughts

Prayers & thoughts to Lucy Spurgeon who had surgery last month to repair her rotator cuff; Ted Ashby who was hospitalized this month for some heart repair surgery; Dick Thiel [Capri Restaurant] suffered a broken shoulder and abrasions and contusions after falling from a ladder while working with Christmas decorations; Jim Beckham who was hospitalized the first week of February, he is home now and recovering; last but not least our Honorary member Bob Cota was hospitalized for some cardiac monitoring. We wish each of them a full and speedy recovery.

ER-CPR UPDATE

By: President Linda Allen

The Eagle Rock Community Preservation & Revitalization Corporation has received the final draft of the Parking Study prepared by VEDC, and is studying the options put forth in the document. A public meeting is being planned for the latter part of February or the beginning of March to present this document and information to the community. At this time an update on the Storefront Improvement Program will also be presented. It is intended that Councilman Villaraigosa be in attendance to discuss the parking study and any ramifications with the city, and also that Stat Senator Jack Scott be present as supporter of the state grant which made the above programs possible. The exact date will be relayed through the Chamber e-mail list, the TERA e-letter and other community publications. For Further information or a copy of the parking study, contact me at 323 - 257-6898 or at Gallery Ophelia at 323 982-9945.